Kobbie Mainoo is yet to feature for England at the 2026 World Cup, and the debate over his omission intensified on Tuesday as Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt offered contrasting verdicts on Thomas Tuchel’s team selection.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said he “struggles to understand” why Tuchel has not turned to Mainoo during England’s World Cup run, pointing out that Reece James, only recently back from a hamstring injury, has been used ahead of the United midfielder. According to The Peoples Person, Butt took the opposite view, saying he “actually hopes” Mainoo does not come off the bench against Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final, reasoning that a rushed introduction at that level would do the 21-year-old no favours. Mainoo started 16 of Michael Carrick’s 17 games since the manager’s January arrival and returns to Carrington for pre-season with his World Cup wait still unresolved.
Neco Williams talk continues amid United’s full-back planning
United’s search for long-term full-back cover keeps throwing up Neco Williams, with reports in recent days linking the Nottingham Forest man with a move to Old Trafford as Newcastle United also register interest. Sources close to Williams say a switch to United would particularly appeal given his history coming through Liverpool’s academy, though Forest are said to be readying an improved contract to ward off suitors before any approach is made. It is a picture that continues to develop alongside Carrick’s broader full-back planning heading into the new season.
Elsewhere, Karl Darlow’s move from Leeds remains on track. Fabrizio Romano reported United had agreed a deal for the free-agent goalkeeper, with a signature to follow, as the club finalises competition for Senne Lammens’ understudy spot.
United’s interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also resurfaced this week. David Ornstein of The Athletic described Scott as a player United “love”, though Bournemouth’s stance and the midfielder’s reported £80m valuation remain the same obstacles that have stalled a deal so far.
